The chief editor of Zambia's independent Post newspaper, Fred M'membe, has been charged with espionage, in connection with a story the paper published alleging that the country was ill-prepared to withstand a possible attack.

Mr M'membe said he was arrested, charged and released on Monday after he went to police headquarters in Lusaka to complain about the harrassment of his staff.

Six other journalists from the Post have already appeared in court in connection with the story. Mr M'membe was released on bail and is expected to appear in court next month.